“For fifty years the EWMC has blazed a path for the IBEW, working to build a bigger and better union.” – IBEW President Kenneth Cooper
St. Louis – IBEW 1245 members joined in fellowship with more than seven hundred other delegates from other IBEW locals at the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus 35th Conference.
The theme of the conference, “Evolving to Embrace tomorrow,” could not have been timelier. Speakers, panelists and delegates recognized and celebrated the progress made over the years to make the IBEW more inclusive, but also acknowledged that there is more work to do.
The EWMC mission of promoting equity, equal opportunity and employment for minorities and underrepresented workers within the IBEW has helped give the union a renewed since of vitality. This year’s EWMC was more energetic than ever, with 265 first time attendees and 200 attendees under 35.
IBEW 1245’s EWMC Delegation 2025
Keynote speaker, IBEW International President Cooper, declared, “For fifty years the EWMC has blazed a path for the IBEW, working to build a bigger and better union.” Don Siegel, retired International Vice President (IVP), 3rd District, also emphasized the historic role EWMC has played in building great diversity at IBEW. He recalled a time before EWMC, in the sixties, when his local was all white and Irish Catholic and how organizing and diversity were an afterthought. He added that EWMC has had the greatest impact of any organization on the IBEW.
The progress of the last four years is going to be tested by the new administration; however. 11th District IVP Mark Hager echoed the conference theme, saying that we should, “embrace the change and be at the forefront of the keeping IBEW strong.”
So, what better organization than the EWMC to bring in the new year by refocusing our membership on the challenges facing our local unions and our communities. President Cooper urged us to take a look at the opportunities that lie ahead for us. He reminded the gathering that, “IBEW is currently working on over $800 million worth of construction projects and enjoying the biggest growth in membership in 20 years.” He added, “The IBEW is remaining steadfast in its goal of reaching one million members, and we cannot do it if we do not welcome everyone into the IBEW.”
Guest speaker and Union Activist Bill Fletcher, stated, “The arc of justice does not necessarily bend toward equality; it bends in whichever direction we force it. This is why we need the EWMC. To push the labor movement to prepare for the battle with the forces arrayed against us. EWMC must be a 21st century organization. We are in a cold civil war. Unions need to push forward with a new way. Unions are used to this. We have to fight and keep fighting even if we lose.”
(left to right) Alvin Dayoan, Brenda Balcazar, Rey Mendoza, Laquania “Q” Thompson, Dony Davis, Al Fortier, Brandon Fosselman, Mike Patterson, Charlotte Stevens touring the Henry Miller Museum
Attending the Conference as IBEW 1245 delegates were: Executive Board members, Rachael Segale and Steve Segale, EWMC Napa-Solano Chapter President Laquania “Q” Thompson, bargaining unit members Brenda Balcazar, Donny Davis, Eric Wright, Ramona Garcia, Brandon Fosselman, Tim Neal, Alvin Dayoan, Gabrielle Baker, and Michael Patterson, Business Representative Rey Mendoza, Organizer Charlotte Stevens, retiree Dorothy Fortier, and myself.
A highlight of the 4-day conference was the formal recognition of longtime IBEW 1245 staff and EWMC leader Dorothy Fortier, winner of this year’s Edwin Lopez Award. It was particularly rewarding for me as I watched my mother honored for a lifetime of service.
In his presentation of the award, EWMC President Sean Bagsby said, “This award is presented to Sister Fortier in recognition of her integrity, respect and support of EWMC with her more than 30 years of service to the organization.”
Sister Fortier joined the EWMC in 1978 at the 31st International Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey and has been an IBEW member for 50 years.
She served on the EWMC National Executive Committee for 21 years after being elected to an At-Large position in 1992 at the conference in Chicago. Sister Fortier served as Secretary-Treasurer most of those years, as well as briefly serving as Vice-President. She currently serves the EWMC Executive Committee as an Advisory Committee member.
She retired from her position as Senior Assistant Business Manager at IBEW Local 1245 in 2013. Mentoring and educating IBEW-EWMC members continues to be two of her priorities, along with serving Local 1245 as a pension trustee.
Her example continues to inspire the next generation of IBEW and EWMC members.
– Al Fortier, Senior Assistant Business Manager
EWMC CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS:
Brenda Balcazar
The EWMC Conference 2025 in St. Louis was a conference that will have a long-lasting effect on me for years to come … With a lineup of distinguished speakers, insightful panels, and engaging workshops, I believe it left a lasting impact on all who attended. … It was not just a gathering but a celebration of the collective effort to drive progress, innovation, and inclusivity within the EWMC.
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Charlotte Stevens
I attended Dr. Dempsey and Simone Bullinger’s workshop on Psychological Safety. One of the statistics that shocked me was that nationally 4-5,000 construction workers complete suicide annually. My highlight was seeing our sister, Dorothy Fortier, receive the Edwin Lopez award for her outstanding service to EWMC for over 30 years.
Every time I attend EWMC, I gain more knowledge, build my network, and am reminded of the work that has been done, yet still needs to be done. I leave the conference equipped to make a positive change with my local union and the labor movement.
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Laquania “Q” Thompson
I attended two workshops that were very impactful. One was improving mental health and creating psychological safety in our industry and community presented by Dr. Keith Dempsey and Simone Bullinger. … The second workshop focused on journaling as a way to manage stress and improve mental health. It was presented by Inetta Bunn, who provided practical methods for cultivating inner peace through writing. I’m excited to take what I learned at the conference and apply it in our local chapter.
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Tim Neal
This was my first EWMC conference, which offered valuable insights into diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. … A notable moment was meeting Robbie J. Sparks, the first president and founding member of the EWMC.
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Ray Mendoza
The conference brought together union leaders, member activists, and guest speakers to discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by minority groups within the workforce. The agenda included keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops aimed at addressing barriers to participation for minorities in unions.
Attending this conference was an enlightening experience that underscored the importance of increasing minority representation in the union workforce.
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Alvin Dayoan
Brandon Fosselman and I were tapped to conduct a very important duty as Sergeant of Arms. We were tasked to help out to ensure security and integrity of the election process. We had to ensure that the process was smooth and that there was no commingling involved during the process. Although we stayed extra hours past our scheduled lunch, we were fortunate to be able to assist with the election process to help elect the young leader of EWMC Renew.
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Donny Davis
It’s always good to hear from a host of speakers, but I liked when BIG John Harriel had President Robert Meadows (from Morrow Meadows Corp), on the panel for an open Q&A session. … There were also 11 different workshops. I really liked Dr. Dempsey’s Physiological Safety. To hear the stats on how many people [in our field], actually “complete” suicide, really blew my mind. To hear how some Unions are working to combat this issue was good.
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Gabrielle Baker
Congratulations to our very own Dorthy Fortier on her award. She has been a pillar in IBEW and EWMC for over 50 years! Any time spent learning and listening to her is always uplifting! Each and every person made this year’s conference a successful one!
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Mona Garcia
A couple of quotes that resonated with me during the event included Ken Cooper’s, President of the International IBEW, who stated, “We’re trying to do the right thing for families that we don’t know.” This message highlighted the broader purpose of our work—creating meaningful change for communities beyond our immediate circles. Additionally, Teresa Johnson, President of Local 89, powerfully reminded us that “Change comes from being uncomfortable.” Her words emphasized the importance of stepping out of our comfort zones to drive progress and create a more equitable future.
From the moment I arrived in St. Louis to the time I departed, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, making the entire experience both productive and inspiring.
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Brandon Fosselman
The first highlight I have was serving as Sergeant at Arms. This year I was a part of a small 5-man team that oversaw the EWMC elections. That was quite an experience, I was able to see how they administered their elections, and I provided input on how the process can be streamlined in the future.
My second highlight was seeing Dorothy Fortier receive an award during the Gala. She went up and gave a short speech, but she did shout out to 1245 and our business manager. She is so respected in that room as a pioneer. It is inspiring to see what she means to the EWMC. I can only hope to someday have that level of impact on anything in my lifetime.